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Team News Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher is unlikely to play again this season because of his ankle injury.

The 27-year-old Scotland international, who has missed the last four games, will sit out against Everton on Saturday and is likely to play no further part in the club's fight for Premier League survival.

Manager Gus Poyet is otherwise remaining coy over a series of minor knocks, but goalkeeper Keiren Westwood is still sidelined by a shoulder problem.

Meanwhile, midfielder Leon Osman is a foubt ahead of Everton's trip to Sunderland.

The 32-year-old had to have five stitches in an eye wound early in last weekend's victory over Arsenal and as of Thursday his left eye had not fully reopened.

Defender Phil Jagielka could be fit to return for next weekend's visit of Manchester United.

Match Notes As they are seven points from safety, Gus Poyet admits Sunderland need a miracle to stay up.

Their 1-0 Boxing Day win at Goodison Park was in the realms of the miraculous, and a repeat would give renewed hope of avoiding relegation.

However, few would predict a repeat as Everton go in search of a seventh successive victory, with Champions League qualification squarely in their sights.

Stat of the game: If Everton win a seventh straight game it will be their best league run for 27 years.